North Carolina hay day set June 24

Gerda Rhodes Extension Agent Washington County, N.C. | Jun 02, 2004

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Do you ever think this about your neighbor's hay fields, pastures or hay bales? If you wish to be one of the best hay makers in the state, come to the Eastern North Carolina Hay Day on June 24.

The event came about partly because of the growth of the horse and livestock industry that has increased the need for good quality hay and pastures. So this event will give those in attendance up-to-date information about making hay and showcase some of the summer annuals that will work in the area.

Cooperative Extension offices receive many calls concerning how and when to make hay; people wonder what difference there is in the equipment available and some are concerned about producing a quality product.

These questions have kept the committee of agents and specialists busy working on the answers.

The Hay Day will be a one day event on June 24, 2004 on Harold and Jerry Flanagan's farm near Farmville. Country Square Ranch is located two miles east of Farmville on Hwy. 264-A. The Flanagan's have given agents the use of a 37 acre field of bermudagrass, some of which has been seeded with summer annuals.

The agenda for the day begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration. At 10:00 a.m. the dealers will demonstrate their cutters, conditioners, tedders and rakes by actually harvesting some of the crop.

At 11:00 a.m. three presentations will be made that will address forage testing, how to take a forage sample, interpreting a forage analysis and the national animal identification program being studied for implementation. These presentations will be followed by a sponsored lunch.

After lunch the grass will be baled, wrapped or bagged. In addition to baling the hay cut that morning, there will be dry hay on the ground available for baling as well. Several allied industries will have displays on hand.

If you have questions or need more details, contact the committee member nearest you: Ralph Blalock 252-641-7815, Al Cochran 252-792-2621, Jeff Copeland 252-426-5428, Walter Earle 252-237-0111, Phillip Rowan 252-757-2801, Richard Lichtenwalner 252-793-4428, or Gerda Rhodes 252-793-2163. Your local county Extension Center will be able to assist you as well.

The event has been approved for credit hours for animal waste operators and certified crop advisors.